I Visited the British Museum—Here's What No One Tells You

The stairs in the British Museum

Have you ever walked into a world-famous museum and felt like you were in a chaotic airport terminal... but with mummies? That was my exact experience during my recent trip to London’s iconic British Museum.

The British Museum Shop sells books, souvenirs, and gifts related to the museum's collection

Located in Bloomsbury, the British Museum houses over eight million artifacts covering human history, art, and culture. Think: everything from ancient Mesopotamia to modern Asia. It's a big deal—but is bigger always better?

Crowds, Coughs & Cultural Whiplash

The museum was jam-packed. Not just “it’s a weekend” busy—more like “Black Friday, no personal space” busy. Loud talking, uncovered coughs, and that awkward guilt of standing too long at an exhibit because someone’s breathing down your neck? Yeah, not exactly the best way to admire ancient artifacts.

After two hours of trying to weave through the masses, I was hangry. The restaurant? Booked solid. The food court? Let’s just say if you’re into open-air buffets that anyone can reach into (with no sneeze guards in sight), this is your spot. I passed. Pro tip: eat before you go.

The Reading Room

Where’s Britain in the British Museum?

Here’s what threw me off: for a museum in London, there’s surprisingly little about Britain itself. You’d expect to see artifacts like King Alfred’s jewel, medieval manuscripts, or even a nod to Shakespeare’s era front and center. But nope—most of the attention goes to what the empire collected from elsewhere. Which is fascinating, sure, but… where’s the local history?

Turns out, the museum was founded during Britain’s empire-expansion era, so it reflects what was taken, not necessarily what was native. That explains a lot—but it still feels like a missed opportunity to showcase the UK’s own rich past.

The British Museum Shop

The Reading Room: A Hidden Gem with a Tiny Twist

One unexpected highlight was the Reading Room, tucked inside the Great Court. This space once served as the main reading room for the UK’s national library before the British Library moved to St. Pancras. Walking into this grand, circular room—once lined with three miles of bookcases and 25 miles of shelves—was honestly magical.

But here's the catch: only a tiny section is open to the public. Imagine walking into a mansion but being told you can only hang out in the powder room. Beautiful? Yes. Underwhelming access? Also yes.

A Bookshop & A Side-Eye

Of course, I checked out the museum shop. It's a history-lover’s dream with shelves dedicated to ancient civilizations. But when it came to Black history, the offerings were limited—just one small corner, mostly focused on slavery. We deserve more than a paragraph in the back.

That said, the Egypt collection in the shop was impressive—and if you’re into archaeology or art history, you’ll find some serious gems.

So, is it worth the visit? If you’re into ancient history and can tolerate crowds, yes—but manage your expectations. Eat beforehand, go early if you can, and don’t expect a deep dive into British culture.

Let’s chat—have you ever visited a “bucket list” museum and left feeling... underwhelmed? Drop a comment below, or share a museum that did blow your mind. Don’t forget to subscribe for more real talk, travel stories, and insider tips from the road. ✈️💬

See you in the next adventure!